Jamis Satellite

Price Paid:  $675.00 at Phil's South Side Cy

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Carbon River Trail

Bike Setup:
Reynolds 520 Frame
Carbon Fork
Alex AKX R 1.0 wheelset,
Vittoria Tires (upgrade from stock)
25 C Front
27 C Rear
Shimano Sora Deraileurs
Sora STI levers
8 speed Cassette
Truvativ Isol Flow Road Crankset
Sealed Cartridge BB
Ritchey BioMax II Bar
Ritchey pro adjustable stem
Ritchey Micro-adjust seatpost
Specialize BG Saddle
Jamis saddle OEM isn't comfortable
Tektro 510A dual pivot alloy calipers with in line safety levers and sora drop levers.

Summary:
As some of the other reviewer mentioned, this isn't as well known of a brand, but Jamis is known for high quality component groupset for the price. This bike has a steel frame which is nice for longer rides which is what I use it for the most. I'm a mountain biker and ride the trails 2 to 3 times per week. I purchased this bike so I could go on 50 to 100 mile rides with friends when they went road riding. Typically, day eventus during the summer to stay in shape.

Strengths:
Comfortable bike with good components set for the $'s.

During a recent 50 mile ride, a guy pulled up to me and said wow, that is a very quite bike. He was riding a 10 plus year old LeMond which made more drivetrain noise than mine did. I didn't realize I should be enjoying hte tranquilty of a quite driveline.

Weaknesses:
Sora components are typical on this price range bike, but I'm used to higher end SRAM components I have on the mountain bikes which have better shifting on the triple cranks than the sora components do.

Not having a lot of experience with road bikes, I do wonder if the brakes could be better. I'm used to mountain bike discs which stop on a dime it wet or dry conditions.

I haven't ridden many other road bikes for comparison so I could be missing something in my review.

Similar Products Used:
None, this bike has been a great introduction to

Price Paid:  $0.00

Model Year:
2007

Summary:
The bike works really well absorbing shocks. Very quiet.

Strengths:
Good price. Just over $1k for a decent bike.

Weaknesses:
After about 500 miles the spokes on the rear wheel popped like pieces of dry spaghettini.
Also the default brake/shifter setup makes it impossible to shift or brake while in a tuck. Another 20-30 bucks to lower it to a position where they can be comfortably used. (and at 6' 6" I have larger hands than most).

Price Paid:  $0.00

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
mountain lake classic

Bike Setup:
9 speed ultegra group
thomson stem and post
selle italia flite saddle
speedplay pedals

Summary:
I was looking for a great entry level road bike for a while and after trying the usual suspects (trek 1000, fuji newest, specialized allez) i gave this bike a test ride and loved every mile of it. i have started to upgrade the bike and plan to keep it for at least 10,000 more miles.

Strengths:
the frames is amazing. i have ridden several different road bikes and have not wanted to switch to them because of how this frame rides

Weaknesses:
the only weakness is some of the components, but that is to be expected on an entry level bike.

Similar Products Used:
trek 1000, fuji newest, specialized allez

Price Paid:  $620.00 at bike store

Model Year:
2004

Favorite Ride:
2004 jamis satellite

Bike Setup:
The carbon fork does a clean job absorbing shock , the angles are aggresive enough to hammer . Cornering at 35 mph , well you get what you pay for . It's a fast tourer and will probably do a century on it this fall .

Summary:
The spokes on the rear snap like cereal. I'm leg strong but not Eric Heiden at any rate. After the third rear wheel spoke separation , they finally laced a new wheel with dt 14g. The third time I was in the store , oddley enough , the sales rep was there also . The only explanation that was offered was "It is hard for us to keep an eye on things " (meaning overseas) when were'er not there . Prior knowledge and forthright one-on-one discussion availed nothing on his behalf . Maybe for the exception of the 2009 lineup .

Strengths:
The Tig welding looks strong , shifts light , and smooth on the cobbles (reynolds 520 ) .

Weaknesses:
See Above

Similar Products Used:
I have bikes in the family farmhouse , homestead , and my house . enough said .

Price Paid:  $550.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Jamis Satellite

Bike Setup:
stock with clipless pedals

Summary:
Dude, I used to ride aluminum frames exclusively. Until my last one caught fire! No sh1t, the fcker went down like a tinfoil hat hit by an Exocet missle. Pissed me off and blistered by thumb.

So, I buy this Jamis for my training bike. It rocks and rolls! The steel frame is stiff [in all the right places], yet gives you a feel for the road that aluminum can never hope to. It rides so well I will never buy an Al framed bike again.

Ever.

Strengths:
STeel frame, good components for the price.

Weaknesses:
None yet.

Similar Products Used:
Trek, Crack-n-fale, GT, Serotta